Rap Promoter, ‘Jimmy the Henchman’, Gets Life in Prison in NYC Drug Case

NEW YORK (AP) — A hip-hop promoter was sentenced to life in prison on Friday on charges he moonlighted as a drug kingpin who made a fortune by smuggling vast amounts of cocaine into New York City, sometimes by concealing it in music equipment cases.

James “Jimmy the Henchman” Rosemond was facing a mandatory life term following his guilty verdict on narcotics conspiracy and other charges at a trial last year in federal court in Brooklyn.

Prosecutor Todd Kaminsky told U.S. District Judge John Gleeson that Rosemond, 48, brazenly demonstrated his disregard for the law by continuing his trafficking operation even after he learned he was under investigation. The defendant used the proceeds to buy multiple homes, luxury cars and a six-figure sound system for his Brooklyn loft.

“About every stereotype you can think of about a drug kingpin was reflected in how he lived,” Kaminsky said.

Gleeson said he would have put Rosemond behind bars for life even if it wasn’t required by law.

“You chose that life and this is the punishment you get,” the judge said.

Both Rosemond and his lawyer declined to address the court before the sentence was announced.

Prosecutors had accused Rosemond, founder of Czar Entertainment, of using a variety of methods to smuggle cocaine from Los Angeles to New York. Some of it was shipped in overnight packages slathered in mustard to throw off drug-sniffing dogs.